Diabetic neuropathies

Introduction

In this review of diabetic neuropathies, the wide variety of types of peripheral nerve damage and the diversity of the resulting clinical syndromes is emphasized. In terms of arresting or reversing the commonest type, chronic diabetic sensory-motor polyneuropathy, unfortunately no progress has been made. Other types of neuropathy in the diabetic, such as proximal diabetic neuropathy and chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy, often respond to immune-modulatory/anti-inflammatory treatments. Several new randomized controlled studies show the efficacy of some of the newer anticonvulsant medications and pregabalin in the treatment of diabetic neuropathic pain.